Portrait of a Gentleman c. 1810 - 1815

John Hoppner painted this portrait of a gentleman using oil on canvas in the late 18th or early 19th century. Hoppner’s technique is evident in the visible brushstrokes, particularly in the background and the gentleman's coat, suggesting a rapid, confident application of paint. This isn't folk art, but the surface texture adds a tangible quality, a reminder of the physical act of painting. Notice how the layering of the brown hues creates depth, while the smoother handling of the face draws our eye. Although Hoppner was a celebrated portraitist of the British elite, his method reflects the broader economic conditions of the time, where efficiency in production was increasingly valued. By understanding the material and its manipulation, we gain insight into both the artist's skill and the societal forces shaping artistic practice.